Scientists have persistently sought methods to alter the course of our battle against climate change. Until now, regardless of the concepts proposed, none have been cemented as actual initiatives with definitive objectives. However, this may shift shortly, as researchers intend to evaluate a solar umbrella aimed at reducing the amount of heat our planet receives from the sun.
Researchers communicated their intention to establish a mission to assess a minuscule sunshade at what is identified as the L1 Lagrange Point — a site located between Earth and the Sun where the gravitational forces of both bodies are nearly neutralized. Nevertheless, this small sunshade will merely serve as a precursor to a considerably larger initiative in the future.
Prior to launching a full-scale extensive system, the researchers assert that they must first determine whether a solar umbrella will be effective. For this evaluation, the scientists plan to utilize a 12U CubeSat, approximately the size of a large briefcase. It will be fitted with a 144-meter solar sail, which should aid in illustrating how viable these systems can be for long-term propulsion.
The concept of employing space sails to advance spacecraft is not novel, but this will represent one of the initial genuine assessments to assist us in ascertaining its actual feasibility. Once operational, the researchers indicate that the continuous stream of sunlight on the sunshade will assist in keeping the spacecraft in the correct position, providing shade over our planet.
The aspiration is that by restricting the amount of direct sunlight that reaches the planet, we will be able to diminish the extent of heat retained in our atmosphere. Whether or not the solar umbrella genuinely contributes to this remains uncertain. Yet, it is still a thrilling concept to witness in action.
With an estimated expenditure of $10 million, ensuring the system’s self-sufficiency will be crucial, as spacecraft depend on autonomous technology for management. It would require 10 seconds for manual commands to even reach the spacecraft, let alone implement them.
It is hoped that the mission will succeed, allowing researchers to expand the process. However, the ultimate effectiveness of this solar umbrella will require time and potentially additional missions to materialize. For the moment, the researchers have disclosed particulars of their plans in Acta Astronautica.
